Award-winning Inverclyde charity praised King Charles

Pat Burke, of Children in Poverty Inverclyde, met the monarch at a special celebration at Holyrood to mark the 25th anniversary of the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament.

He was invited along as a 'local hero' by Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan - the official piper on the day - and was presented to the King.

The charity, which was set up ten years ago, won a Queen's Award in 2022 for its voluntary services.

MSP Stuart McMillan and Pat Burke, Children in Poverty Inverclyde (Image: contributed) On meeting King Charles, the charity chairman said: "The King was very genial and displayed genuine empathy for the plight that many of our families are experiencing whilst stating that I was to give his best wishes to our committee and volunteers.

"Our charity is so fortunate and blessed for such sustained support from the people of Inverclyde who have no equal when it comes to magnificent financial donations.

"Their generosity is pivotal in providing holidays in July each year, pantomime and Santa Grotto trips, food and clothing vouchers, Kelburn Country Park trips, cinema tickets and Elev8 tickets.

"Each Christmas, we are robustly supported with around 700 presents for local children."

Pat Burke and Stuart McMillan (Image: contributed)

Children in Poverty Inverclyde is one of area's best loved charities, and has spent the last ten years funding holidays for those in the greatest need, as well as providing vital food and clothes vouchers.

Pat has been supported throughout that time by Mr McMillan, who champions their work.

Pat, who attended the event with fellow trustee John McGovern, who said: "Firstly I would like to thank Stuart McMillan for my selection to attend the event although the term local hero does not sit comfortably with me.

"Stuart escorted myself and guest John McGovern around the parliament building and visited the chamber.

"The pomp and ceremony exhibited on the day created a real sense of occasion."

King Charles and Queen Camilla (Image: PA)

SNP politician Mr McMillan is the parliament's official piper and was honoured to play on the Royal occasion as well bringing along a 'local hero'.

He said: "I am always privileged to be asked to pipe at these large events and yesterday was no different.

"For the first time I played a tune with a local connection, Auchmountain's Bonnie Glen which is in Greenock.

"MSPs have the opportunity to invite a local hero and I asked Pat Burke of Children in Poverty Inverclyde.

"Pat and his small team have done an incredible job, helping many children and households across Inverclyde.

"I wanted Pat to have the opportunity to speak about his work and let more people what they do.

"I want to say a big thank you to Pat and everyone at Children in Poverty Inverclyde for their work.

"They make a huge difference."